Duties and Obligations of a Nigerian Citizen

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which captures the rights of every Nigeria in section 14, also contains a very clear list of duties and responsibilities for the citizens of the country.

Here is the direct text taken from the Nigerian constitution:

“It shall be the duty of every citizen to:

(A) abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities;

Note: It is not only the duty of government to abide by the Constitution, it is also the duty of citizens to do same. The question, therefore, is that, do you follow the Constitution? Do you respect the ideas of the Constitution and its institutions? If you do not, for one reason or the other, it means you do not have the moral justification to accuse those in government of not doing same.

(B) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required;

Note: Do you help enhance the name, power and prestige of Nigeria or you outdo each other in dishonouring and bringing it down? Do you protect its honour and dignity or you tear it apart?

(C) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood;

Note: Every Nigerian have a right to live everywhere they choose, do you accord them their due rights and previlege or raise unnecessary political sentiment to deprive them of their due? Do you promote unity or tribal bais? Do you recognize the constitutional spirit of common brotherhood or you create undue segregation?

(D) make a positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides;

Note: What is your contribution to the positive development of your community and the well-being of the people? Based on the spirit of the constitution, you and not the government, has control over your positive growth in such society.

(E) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;

Note: How have you assisted the police and all other agencies in maintaining law and order?

(F) declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly.”

Note: Do you declare your income honestly to the appropriate authorities and do you pay your fair share of the taxes?

All of the above are some of the duties and responsibilities of citizens to the nation.

It is my opinion that, only citizens who perform their duties can become leaders who do same. If you do not perform your duty as citizen, you lack the moral justification to accuse leaders who do not do same.

And finally, your constitutional rights goes side by side with your constitutional responsibilities. You can not love one and hate the other. They have to go side by side.

So, if you want to enjoy your rights, carry out your responsibility.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat